Roswell Delirium

To be honest, I haven't seen such a plot mess in a movie for a long time. I'm not even sure that I understood everything correctly. But it was interesting to sort out this mess. In order not to spoil the intrigue for future viewers, I'll just say "everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance." Assessing the film, I will say that it is not bad. But quite controversial. The acting of some actors (mostly children) raises questions - they played even too well. And this exaggerated expression is confusing. The dramatic, serious plot echoes their antics and at first it is difficult to understand what I am watching at all. Especially when we have aliens in the context of America battered by nuclear strikes. (sounds too strange) However, closer to the second half of the film, it becomes much easier to watch. Finally, I would like to highlight the slight protractedness of the film. Not everyone will appreciate this moment, but for those who like to thoughtfully watch films, this example is suitable.

So I just finished watching it and thought I would go ahead and read the reviews. I not sure what to think. It is a fever dream of a movie. I still am unsure what I watched, but by about 40 minutes in I was very tired of the "80s" cliche terms. Why was all of the dialogue was steeped in them and it was annoying. Was it because they were false memories? Idk. The acting was mediocre by all, even Dee Wallace, whom I love. I feel like there were just too many ideas wrapped up in this story. Definitely not sci-fi which was a shame. Alternate universe stories are hard to tell. I think there was just too much going on. I get it, new film makers have to go through some growing pains. I don't want to discredit the hard work that it takes to make films. Just keep going, not everything can be a winner.

Ok, the GOOD: There's a lot to like here. First off, they shot it on the Alexa - which is no small feat on a tight budget. Camera work? Solid. The '80s actors and references? A delightful touch. The sound design starts off real rough, but by the third act it actually finds its groove. Acting-wise... it's a mixed bag. There are standouts, though. Anthony Michael Hall - legend - absolutely flawless in the few scenes he's in (probably three, maybe four days on set, tops, so don't blink). Lisa Whelchel and Dee Wallace? Great '80s additions, even in their brief moments. And who doesn't love America's dad, Reginald VelJohnson? Sam Jones? That guy makes everything better.

The leads grow on you - seriously. They get noticeably better as the film progresses, which makes me think they might've shot it mostly in order (just a theory). So yeah, lots of good stuff here.

Now, the Criticism: This movie changes tone more than any film I think I've ever seen. It starts off quirky - almost a comedy - with a few cringe moments, sure, but it's kind of charming. And then, boom, by the end it veers hard into drama and darkness. I was sitting there like, "Wait... what is happening?" It's just kind of bizarre.

Also: it's not sci-fi. That's a bait and switch. It's a drama. Straight up.

There's way too much exposition. Like, way too much. Classic "tell me, don't show me" problem - and that's the quickest way to lose an audience. At one point I literally thought, "Tolkien couldn't follow this plot." Okay, maybe that's a bit harsh - but still.

That said, I've got a soft spot for low-budget films. I've made a few. They're tough. No one sets out to make a bad movie - it's a craft, and you learn by doing. So I hope the filmmakers see this as encouragement to keep going.

Because here's the thing: it has heart. Especially in the final scenes with the mom and daughter - that hit.

So yeah, not perfect - but a bold, heartfelt swing. And sometimes that's enough to make it worth watching.

This movie was a horrible waste of time. I should have read the reviews first! Cheap production. Poor acting and worse script! As I watched, I kept trying to convince myself there was something good moments away. Nope. That never happened. It is "dramatic and suspenseful" to the extent that the scenes and timeline continually shifted, compelling you to believe the girl's timeline (her life) was being artificially shifted, perhaps by aliens. I still don't know if that was the case or not. The radio tech uaed to "communicate" with the aliens was a CB. Really!? As the closing scene rolled and faded, I realized I had just wasted 2hrs of my life. Please, I beg you, DO NOT WATCH THIS!

I'm very happy for actress Lisa Whelchel's return to the set-she's getting better and better. "Roswell Delirium" is overall very well shot, and the cast delivers convincing performances. The screenplay is of a high standard, as is the character development. Given the numerous awards it has already won, we hope the film will be distributed in a greater number of theaters. It would have been great if Whelchel's role had been bigger, given her talent and long professional history-from the series The Facts of Life to the great success she has achieved in recent years, mainly through television projects.